Is Freelancing for You? Pros, Cons, and How to Get Started in 2025

Freelancing or working from home -- for many, it’s the ultimate dream job setup. With the shift to remote work during the pandemic and beyond, it’s no surprise that more Filipinos are exploring digital careers. But before you quit your day job or dive into online work, it's important to understand what this lifestyle really means.

Let’s break it down.

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same:

• Freelancing means you’re self-employed, working with clients on a project or contract basis. You manage your own time, rates, and workload. You're your own boss -- but also your own HR, accounting, and sales team.
  

• Work-from-home (WFH) usually refers to a remote job where you’re employed by a company. You have a more structured schedule, regular income, and sometimes benefits -- but with less flexibility than freelancing.
  

Both setups allow you to work from anywhere, but the experience and responsibilities differ a lot.

So, why does this distinction matter?

Because when you’re considering a digital career, it’s important to know what you're really getting into. Not all work-from-home jobs are freelance gigs, and not all freelance work means you get to stay home all day. This post is especially helpful if you’re thinking about shifting to a flexible career setup and want to understand what it really takes -- from the perks and challenges to how you can get started.

A digital career offers flexibility in terms of work hours, break time, location and even work settings like temperature, lighting, music, etc.  You have control over the setting that makes you more productive. You can even do other things you enjoy while working --music trip, eat and chat with your friends, and even travel!

💡 Tip: Know your most productive hours and use them for deep work or client meetings. Flexibility also allows you to take on side hustles or passion projects.

No more gastos on commuting, lunch out, workwear, or impulse mall stops after office hours!

Less stress from traffic jam during rush hours, unfriendly co-workers, a suboptimal work environment mean better health for those who work from home. With the flexibility of the work environment, it is easier to adjust your work hours to accommodate work/life balance.

Interruptions from children, work, neighbors, friends, and family may be very disruptive. Special efforts must be made to make it known that you are actually working and unavailable for interruption within work hours.

No officemates = no small talk or instant IT support. It can get lonely. That’s why online communities or co-working days with fellow freelancers help.

A lot of online jobs offer project-based only. This means that your contract ends as soon as the project is completed.  Sometimes, clients will end your contract immediately for some lame reasons.

Also, there are usually no employment benefits when you are working online. Rarely do companies offer health insurance and retirement benefits. Options for voluntary contributions to SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig are available though.

The internet can be a scary place. While there are tons of job opportunities, we can’t really eliminate the scammers. There have been countless stories that workers (including me!) didn’t receive the payment for completed projects. That was one lesson I learned the hard way.

Do your research, sign contracts, and start with safe platforms.

You are your own boss -- but that also means no one’s pushing you to work except you. Discipline, routine, and boundaries are essential to avoid burnout or underperformance.

Ask yourself:

• Are you okay with unstable income (at least in the beginning)?

• Can you stay disciplined and motivated on your own?

• Are you proactive about learning and marketing your skills?

If yes, then maybe freelancing is your thing!

Before applying to jobs or getting clients, show proof that you can do the work.

Figure out what you do best, and focus there.

• Magaling ka ba magsulat?
  Start with writing samples! Blog posts, social media captions, or product descriptions. Compile and organize them.
  

• Editing videos or designing graphics?
  Publish your work online. Upload to YouTube, Behance, Canva, or Google Drive with shareable links.
  

• Interested in social media management?
  Create a media kit showcasing your work. If you’ve grown your own page or helped a friend’s business, include screenshots and insights.
  

• Wala ka pang experience?
  Volunteer for a small business or a local org you believe in. In exchange, ask for a testimonial and track the results of your work. These can make a strong case for your future clients.

The goal is to give potential clients a reason to trust you. Results and real work samples build that trust.

Ready to explore freelancing further? Start by identifying what you’re good at and building a portfolio that reflects your strengths. Small steps lead to big shifts.

Start showing up for your future today.